Marilyn Bierwagen Tompkins was born on July 9, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana. She passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 89 years of age in Lewes, Delaware tended by her two daughters Cyndy and Pam, who spent her last days and hours journeying with her through her life reminiscing with love, laughter, tears, forgiveness, and grace.

Marilyn was born in South Bend, Indiana to Freda L. Bierwagen and Walter J. Bierwagen.  Her brother Ronald W. Bierwagen was 14 months old when she was born. Marilyn was an infant when the family moved to the Washington DC area eventually to Greenbelt, Maryland as a pioneer family residing on Westway. She met her future husband when she was Miss Liberty on a float in the Greenbelt, Maryland 4th of July parade in 1948. At the age of 18, she married Earl V. Hampton. They had two daughters, Cyndy in October 1953 and Pam in October 1958. Marilyn and Earl separated and eventually divorced. Marilyn became a grandmother for the first time in 1981 and eventually a great-grandmother to twins in 2011. She reconnected with her soon-to-be second husband at a Greenbelt High School Reunion. She was remarried on September 24, 1983, to Joseph S. Tompkins Jr. They had a deep love and sadly she was widowed early in their marriage in December of 1987.

Marilyn had many occupations over the years from working as a school secretary, and a teller at both the Greenbelt Federal Credit Union and the Federal Credit Union in the US Treasury, finally completing her career as a realtor. Marilyn had a long career as a realtor, she worked the longest for Long and Foster Reality in Maryland but finished her career selling new homes in Prince Georges County Maryland.  She was an excellent realtor who was highly ethical and passionate about helping others find homes.  Her clients trusted her so much that after retiring, the homeowners of the development asked her to come back to troubleshoot difficulties with the builder since she was the only person they trusted.

In 1997, Marilyn moved to Delaware. She bought a home in Ocean View, being one of the first residents in Savannah's Landing where she was an active member of the homeowner's association for many years. She loved being near the beach and enjoying life with her friends including her dearest friend Jane O'Malley who preceded her in death. She loved the ocean, and moving to the beach was a dream come true including happy hours on the beach, birthday lunches with the girls, July 4th celebrations, and having her family visit and vacation.  Marilyn was an avid gardener and loved flowers, yellow roses were her favorite. She enjoyed watching the birds and the deer in her backyard. She could be stubborn and at times protective of her feelings, being defensive but resilient and loved deeply. She had high expectations for herself and as well as others. Marilyn had a great laugh and was a remarkable dancer. She was not always able to express her emotions but loved her home, her family, and friends.

Marilyn was a gifted artisan making many of her family's clothes. She delighted in sewing her children's clothing when they were young, prom dresses as teens and their wedding gowns as adults. Her needlework including embroidery was meticulous and beautiful. Marilyn loved crocheting and spent many hours making creations to share with others. After retiring at the beach, Marilyn began working with glass and made phenomenal stained glass, jewelry, and decorative pieces.

Marilyn is survived and will be missed by her children, Cynthia A. Hampton (Lisa), Pamela Hampton Kidwell (Ron), her brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Carol Bierwagen, and their children Kari Schillper and Chris Bierwagen. "Mamere" will be remembered and missed by her grandchildren Lindsey Holsapple Anderson, Brittany Holsapple Galloway (Steve), Raquel Hampton, Ashton Kidwell (Liz), Jordan Kidwell, Ciara Kidwell, and Taylor Kidwell, and her great-grandchildren Andreas and Allaire Anderson, Ari Galloway and her newest Galloway great grandson who will arrive in May.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother, Freda L. Bierwagen, her father Walter J. Bierwagen, her children's father and ex-husband Earl V. Hampton, her greatest love her husband Joseph S. Tompkins Jr, and her long-time best friend Jane O'Malley.

No words can express how grateful and blessed we are for the love and care provided to our mother by lifetime friends who became caregivers Kathleen and Tony Schiavone, and Annette Mumford, a caregiver who became family to our mother and now to us.  Heartfelt thanks to the Progressive Care Unit at Beebe Hospital who cared for her with compassion, allowing her wishes to be honored and her passing to be filled with peace and dignity.

In lieu of flowers contributions to honor our mother can be made to the South Coastal Village Volunteers PO Box 1453 Bethany Beach, DE 19930. This wonderful group allowed our mother independence, beautiful window boxes, and a sense of self-worth.